Mighty Casey fitting in

MLB. One wouldn’t suspect a player nicknamed “The Mayor” would have much difficulty forming bonds with new teammates.

Sean Casey’s first few weeks with the Red Sox were borne out of that school of thought. The affable Casey has eased right into the clubhouse and introduced himself to the few players that didn’t already recognize him as the Chatty Kathy first baseman.

“I can see this whole Red Sox Nation is going to be a different world,” said Casey. “Even coming off the 2006 World Series in Detroit, it doesn’t compare at all to this.”

Casey came up through the Cleveland organization, and is familiar with Terry Francona, John Farrell and Manny Ramirez from his stint with the Indians in 1997. Casey was then traded to Cincinnati in 1998, and matured into an All-Star with the Reds.

The Cape League alumnus is well beyond his All-Star days, but his arrival insures Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell will enjoy a healthy dose of off-days.

“At this stage of my career I wanted to go to a place where I could be in a winning situation,” said Casey. “Me and Tito go way back too. I can remember bumping into him at different stops in my baseball career, and he would always tell me that I was going to come play for him someday.”

Casey hit .296 with 30 doubles and four homers in 143 games last season for the Tigers, but the 33-year-old doesn’t have a problem with significantly reducing his games played this season — a certainty unless something goes wrong with Boston’s everyday lineup.

“This is going to be a whole different role than anything I’ve ever done in my career,” said Casey. “You never know how it will play out, but I’m ready to do whatever Tito needs me to.”